Dale R. Leifheit, age 71 of Sandwich, IL, completed his earthly mission and passed onward to Heaven on December 3, 2017.

Born in Aurora, IL on March 28, 1946 Dale was the son of Ralph and Lillian (Bretthauer) Leifheit. He was raised in Yorkville, IL. He had two sisters and two brothers, one of them a fraternal twin. Dale was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church and was part of a large extended family and church community. In addition to his immediate family, he held his Aunt Irma and Uncle Virgil in high regard for the warm memories he made during his time staying with them.

Following his 1964 graduation from Yorkville High School, he served our country in the Army for two years, stationed in South Korea. Upon his return to the states, he began work at Allsteel, where he met his future wife, Christie Noggle. The two were married at Oswego Prairie Church in 1973 and were devoted partners and best friends for 44 years of marriage.

Dale was loved and cherished by his family and friends. He was probably best known for his humor, kindness, and devotion to his family. He also always had a camera close at hand to capture life’s special moments and memories. He was extremely loving and proud of his kids and grandkids. They were his joy and he not only supported them in all their interests and endeavors, but also with countless handyman projects. He and Chris were a great team – she would design the projects and he would build them. He always put the needs of others ahead of his own.

Dale was an active member of the Plano United Methodist Church where he served in various capacities. In addition to his 25 years working for Allsteel and serving on their credit union board of directors, he also worked for Masonite for 15 years, Walgreens/Lincare for 10 years, Eagle Foods part-time for 25 years, and most recently at the Sandwich Public Library part-time.

He is survived by his wife, Chris Leifheit; his children, Dustin (Renee) Leifheit, Ryan (Jennifer) Leifheit, and Mindy (Mark) Mueller; his grandchildren, Lexi, Bryce, Kellen, Melana, Brennen, Reily, Lukas and Evelyn; his siblings, Dennis Leifheit, Elmer (Nancy) Leifheit, and Nancy Stockham, along with many special nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Lillian; his sister, Charlotte Noack; nephews, Brett Leifheit and Benjamin Noack; and his father and mother in law, Robert and Fern Noggle.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 7 from 4-8 pm at the Plano United Methodist Church located at 219 North Hale Street, Plano IL. Funeral services will be on Friday, December 8 at 10:30 am at the church, officiated by Pastor Steve Saunders. Military rites will be accorded by the Plano American Legion Post 395. Gladfelter Funeral Home in Ottawa IL is assisting the family with arrangements. Pallbearers will be Dustin, Ryan and Jason Leifheit, Brandon Evans, and Sean and Lewis Noggle. Honorary pallbearers will be Bryce Burress, Kellen and Reily Leifheit, Mark and Lukas Mueller, and Adam and Michael Noggle.

Memorial donations may be given to the Plano United Methodist Church, the Sandwich Public Library, or a charity of the donor’s choice in Dale’s memory.

A special thank you goes to the Rush Copley's ICU and Cardiac care unit. Their outstanding care and compassion for Dale and his family will be forever remembered. However, the Greatest Physician of all called Dale home.